Mexico's new president says his security team will be made up of 20 unarmed men and women — including lawyers, doctors, and engineers

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador poses for a selfie with a supporter after a campaign rally in Patzcuaro, Michoacan state, Mexico, May 31, 2018. REUTERS/Alan Ortega

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday he will abandon the secret service-style protection used by his predecessor in favor of a security detail of 20 unarmed men and women, including lawyers, doctors and engineers.

There were more fatal attacks on politicians during the last election campaign than in any other in recent history, and an epidemic of gang violence made last year Mexico's deadliest since modern records began.

A man talks to soldiers guarding a crime scene where unknown assailants gunned down a couple inside a restaurant in Monterrey, Mexico, April 10, 2018. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

Giving his first public comments a day after being officially named president-elect, Lopez Obrador said 10 men and 10 women would be chosen to provide his security, but described them as facilitators. He said they would not carry firearms, and protection would be kept at a minimum.

"They are going to take care of me. These women and men, and all Mexicans are going to take care of me. And when I talk about all the Mexicans I'm talking about the soldiers, because the soldiers are the people," Lopez Obrador said.

"All Mexicans are going to take care of me, but there will not be this special (government) body to guarantee the protection of the president of the republic."

Presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures after casting his ballot at a polling station during the presidential election in Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters/Edgard Garrido

Lopez Obrador said he told current President Enrique Peña Nieto, who is protected by 2,000 armed presidential guards, composed of military personnel, police and civilians, that he would instead go with the much smaller security team.

Lopez Obrador has promised to run an austere, zero-deficit government, and his approach to security is a clear example of how he is breaking from the mold.

The current presidential guards will be absorbed by the defense ministry once he takes office on Dec. 1.

He has promised to turn the presidential Los Pinos palace into a cultural center, have the presidential plane sold and receive half the salary of Peña Nieto.